Former EXCITER Guitarist JOHN RICCI: 'I Don't Think A.I. Should Play A Part In Songwriting'
Former EXCITER guitarist John Ricci told Talkin' Bout Rock that he believes AI should stay out of songwriting, arguing that music’s human factor must remain authentic. He clarified his neutral stance, accepting AI for visual art but rejecting it for composing melodies and lyrics. Ricci’s new band POWERRAGE will release its debut album "Beast" on April 24 through High Roller Records, with the second single "Dragon Man" arriving March 23. The record is mixed by Dan Swanö and features artwork by Mario Lopez, marking Ricci’s fresh start beyond EXCITER.
ANTHRAX's SCOTT IAN: 'It's Always Odd To Me' Which Songs 'People Know And Don't Know Off Our Records'
Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian discussed the setlist for the band’s upcoming Australian headlining tour, revealing a blend of staple tracks and deep cuts such as “Deathrider” and “Metal Thrashing Mad.” He noted that fan recognition of songs is heavily influenced...
THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA's JEREMY DEPOYSTER Doesn't Believe In Relying On Backing Tracks During Live Performances: 'We Literally Hate That'
Jeremy DePoyster, guitarist and vocalist for The Devil Wears Prada, said the band despises relying on pre‑recorded backing tracks and only used a laptop for bass after their bassist quit in August. The group returned to the stage on March 13...
TESTAMENT's CHUCK BILLY On Retirement: 'I'm Gonna Let My Mind, Body And Soul Tell Me When It's Time'
In a recent interview, Testament frontman Chuck Billy said he will let his mind, body and soul decide when to retire, noting he feels at the top of his vocal game and is healthy enough for touring. Guitarist Eric Peterson...
SHINEDOWN's Upcoming 'Ei8ht' Album Was 'a Year And A Half In The Making': 'We Really Pushed Ourselves This Time Around'
Shinedown’s eighth studio album, “Ei8ht,” arrives on May 29 via Atlantic Records, featuring 18 tracks that the band describes as a double‑album. The record, a year and a half in the making, sees bassist Eric Bass taking the production helm,...
EXODUS's GARY HOLT: 'I'm Not Rich, But I Make A Living Playing Guitar, And That's A Gift In Itself'
Gary Holt marks over four decades with Exodus, emphasizing that playing guitar remains his livelihood and passion. He reveals eclectic musical influences, from Adele to Prince, while staying rooted in classic rock. Exodus’s twelfth studio album, “Goliath,” drops on March 20...
ELIAS SORIANO On Upcoming NONPOINT Album: 'The Overall Vibe Of The Record Is Very, Very Heavy'
NONPOINT frontman Elias Soriano revealed that the band’s upcoming full‑length album will be markedly heavier, featuring new guitarist Jason Zeilstra’s layered textures. The record will include a handful of collaborations, notably with Skye Sweetnam of SUMO CYCO, and returns to...
AT WAR Reteams With Legendary Thrash Producer ALEX PERIALAS For New Album
Virginia‑based thrash veterans AT WAR have announced a new studio album produced by legendary metal engineer Alex Perialas, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of their debut “Ordered To Kill”. The record, featuring new guitarist Rick Gress and completed tracking with vocalist/bassist Paul Arnold and...
TRIXTER's 'Phenomenal' New Album Will 'Probably' Arrive In Early 2027: 'Everybody Is Gonna Be Blown Away'
TRIXTER guitarist‑vocalist Steve Brown confirmed the band’s new studio album is about 75% finished, with 14‑15 songs in the pipeline. The record is slated for an early 2027 release and will be paired with a documentary chronicling Brown and bassist...
TED NUGENT Still Doesn't Care About Being Excluded From ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME: 'It Doesn't Affect Me At...
Ted Nugent told The Adam Carolla Show that his exclusion from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame stems from political bias rather than musical merit. He defended Joan Jett’s talent while criticizing the Hall’s recent inductees, including non‑rock acts...
Starveil
Swiss vocalist Fabienne Erni releases her debut solo album "Starveil", a folk‑infused symphonic metal work that showcases her Celtic harp and expansive songwriting. The record blends heavy riffs, pop‑leaning melodies, and guest vocals from Lena Scissorhands, delivering tracks such as...
DROWNING POOL Has 'Plenty Enough Songs Right Now' For A New Full-Length Album
Drowning Pool guitarist C.J. Pierce confirmed the band has amassed enough songs for a new full‑length album, slated for release toward the end of 2026 after a series of singles—"The Wrong One" (Feb 2026), "Madness" (Apr 2025) and "Revolution (The Final Amen)" (Sept 2024). The...
SPREAD EAGLE Announces New Studio Album 'The Brutal Divine', Shares First Single 'Street Noise'
Hard rock veterans Spread Eagle announced their fourth studio album, The Brutal Divine, slated for release on June 12, 2026 through Frontiers Music. The band unveiled the lead single “Street Noise” alongside a video, setting an aggressive tone for the...
SLASH Signs On As Executive Producer Of 'Black Zombie' Feature Documentary
Guitar legend Slash has signed on as executive producer for the feature documentary “Black Zombie,” which will debut at South by Southwest. The film traces the zombie’s evolution from Haitian Vodou folklore to Hollywood horror, exposing its ties to slavery...
BON JOVI Biopic In Development At UNIVERSAL
Universal Pictures is developing a feature‑length biopic about rock icons Bon Jovi, with frontman Jon Bon Jovi granting access to the band’s extensive music catalog. Screenwriter Cody Brotter, known for the Black List script “Drudge,” is attached, while producers Kevin J. Walsh and Gotham Chopra will helm...
BIOHAZARD's BILLY GRAZIADEI On 'Divided We Fall' Album: 'We Delivered Something That I'm Super Proud Of'
Biohazard released their ninth studio album, “Divided We Fall,” on October 17, 2025 via BLKIIBLK after a grueling 2½‑year world tour with the classic lineup. In a Vulgar Display Of Podcast interview, guitarist‑vocalist Billy Graziadei explained that producer Matt Hyde...
CORROSION OF CONFORMITY Shares 'You Or Me' Single From Upcoming 'Good God / Baad Man' Double Album
Corrosion of Conformity announced the April 3 release of their double‑album “Good God / Baad Man” on Nuclear Blast, led by the new single “You Or Me.” The record splits into a heavier “Good God” half and a rock‑focused “Baad Man”...
Watch: DISTURBED's DAVID DRAIMAN Sings U.S. National Anthem At The Algemeiner's 12th Annual 'J100' Gala
Disturbed frontman David Draiman performed both the U.S. and Israeli national anthems at the Algemeiner’s 12th annual J100 gala in New York. He was honored at the event, which gathers global leaders and supporters of the Jewish community. Draiman’s appearance...
Founding SAXON Guitarist PAUL QUINN Releases New Single With THE CARDS, Announces European Tour
Founding Saxon guitarist Paul Quinn, now 74, has issued a new single with his side project The Cards titled “The Path You Choose.” The track reflects his shift from Saxon’s heavy‑metal thrust to a blues‑infused, acoustic‑friendly style. Quinn also announced...